The Pros/Cons of Watercolor

Many people like painting, but aren't sure where to get started. There are many mediums, brushes, papers, and the like. A beginner in the art world would probably be overwhelmed and might start with a difficult medium, like oil or acrylic. Watercolor is an easy medium for beginners (and professionals) to use, so before buying anything, think about the advantages and disadvantages of watercolor.

Watercolors are easy to blend and work with. They are also very versatile and come in many different forms, like watercolor crayons and pencils, opaque paint, tube paint, and tray paint. Paints like iridescent paints, ultraviolet paints, and inks can also be used in watercolor. Acrylic, chalk pastel, and other mediums can also be used to create mixed medium paintings.

However, nothing is permanent in watercolor . It is easy to blot out a mistake, which is another reason it's a good medium for beginners. When I use paint, my brush almost always drips water on my painting. All I have to do is blot it out, and no one would ever know I messed up.

Unlike when using oils, (where you would need large pallets, turpentine, oil, a canvas or board, expensive paint, and more) or acrylics (paint, special brushes, heavy paper, and more), only four things are needed to use watercolors: water, brushes, paint, and paper. Depending on the quality of materials that you buy, this makes watercolor a relatively "cheap" medium to use.

Watercolor has a few disadvantages, too; it is a very messy medium. Certain types of paints, like opaque paints and inks, which can be used in watercolor, are very staining. Because the paint is so wet, it tends to splatter. I always wear a smock to keep my clothes clean, and put newspaper or a towel down to keep the table clean.

Again, nothing is permanent in watercolor. A wonderful fact when you mess up, but not so wonderful when you have just perfected a watercolor piece and your cat accidentally spills your soda all over it. When using watercolor, you must take extra measures to seal against water.

Although watercolor can be bought at many places, craft and hobby stores do not generally supply the best quality paints. They supply the quality and price acceptable for hobbyists and amateurs. Anyone who is above that level must pay more for higher quality supplies from specialty art supply stores.

Water color is a great medium that both beginners and professionals can use easily, but it is also a messy medium that is difficult to keep sealed. However, it is a medium to be considered, and you will be able to use it throughout your art life.